How loud is your life?

As a musician and Artistic Director of an a cappella ensemble hearing is a very important part of my life. I’ve been playing the piano for 33 years and a singer for 26 years. I spend a lot of time trying to take care of my hearing.

Noise-induced hearing loss occurs over time when our hearing is exposed to sounds that are too loud, for too long. Many culprits are less obvious than others. Most people are aware that music players, power tools, concerts and sporting events are risks, but did you know that you can even experience hearing loss from things like TV, video games and even noisy school and work environments?

Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. One of the reasons I chose to work for TELUS is because they are committed to causes I believe in; causes that empower youth and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. Since 2002, TELUS has donated more than $290,000 in support of programs offered by the Hearing Foundation to encourage people to “take care of your hearing, so you can hear the things you love!”

How do you create a quieter, safer environment for your family?

Turn down the volume on music players, TVs, and video games; if you have to shout to be heard, it’s too loud!

Wear earplugs at concerts, sporting events, school dances, noisy workplaces, and when working with power tools. Keep the activity enjoyable, but safe.

Make sure all family members understand the value of good hearing and how to protect it.

If someone in your family is experiencing ringing in their ears, or speech that sounds muffled, talk to your doctor and arrange a hearing test with an audiologist. In fact, it’s a good idea for everyone to have their hearing checked.

On May 22, for the third year in a row, TELUS team members and volunteers from the Hearing Foundation handed out ear plugs to commuters in downtown Toronto as a part of our TELUS Day of Giving. Recipients were encouraged to “Practice Safe Listening” and protect their hearing.

Hi, Jennifer,
This afternoon I posted to my website a small book that I wrote a number of years ago called “Camerata: A Guide to Organizing and Directing Small Choruses” that you might find interesting. (Click on “author”)
I plan to retire from Jubilee United Church at the end of this season. If you and any of your singers would be interested in joining us for a performance, with orchestra, of Mozart’s lovely Missa Brevis in D Major (K. 194) on April 5 I would be overjoyed to see your face in the chorus.
I hope you and your choir continue to thrive.
All the best,
Art

Katie4 years ago

Thanks for the link, Art. I’ll definitely take a look. Please e-mail me the information about the Missa Brevis. Sounds like fun!

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